UPDATE: This is an updated and expanded version of an earlier story about Australia Day events in Canberra. 

AUSTRALIA Day events in Canberra are being run in line with ACT Health COVID-19 regulations, says CEO of the National Australia Day Council, Karlie Brand.

“We have kept capacity well below what is required. Where possible we’re having events outdoors, with hand sanitiser stations and social-distancing rules.”

There will be no fireworks at the end of Australia Day this year, however, Queanbeyan will be having a display from 8pm.

But there’s still lots to enjoy in Canberra in and around Australia Day. 

To start off the celebrations, the National Carillon will be lit up with projections from January 23, then Australian of the Year awards will take place on January 25 at the Arboretum, and will be broadcast on the ABC from 7.30pm.

“The attendees of the Australian of the Year awards will be in the very low numbers, well below what we’ve had in past years and it’s ticketed, absolutely ticketed only,” says Karlie.

The National Museum of Australia will also host a fire ceremony on January 25, 5pm-9pm, where it will prepare a campfire in a special sand circle. This fire will be a sister fire to the one at Reconciliation Place, and will take place lakeside, on the lawn of the National Museum Amphitheatre.

From 5.45pm on January 25 at Nerang Pool, Commonwealth Park, a collection of First Nations musicians will perform, beginning with Mark Atkins who has been acknowledged as one of Australia’s finest didgeridoo players.

There will be CheckIn CBR points where required, and attendees are encouraged to follow ACT Health advice to social distance where possible and ensure healthy hygiene practices.

At 6.15pm, Nancy Bates will perform with Gugan Gulwan Youth Ensemble. North Stradbroke Island local, Sachem will perform at 7pm.

Monica Moore will give a bluesy jazz set at 7.45pm and Stiff Gins will begin the final performance of the night at 8.30pm.

There will also be dance circles beginning from 6pm. Mulleun Dreaming with Justine Carla Brown will demonstrate traditional dance performances and host workshops, yarning circles and cultural walks.

The Wiradjuri Echoes will showcase Wiradjuri dance at 7pm and the Muggera family group will share their cultural performances at 8pm.

The Nainmurra Nguurruu Australia Day in the Capital events are focused on bringing Canberrans together to “reflect, respect and celebrate” the Australian experience.

From 9am on January 26, the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony will start Australia Day off at Rond Terrace, Parkes, to welcome Australia’s newest citizens.

Australia Day programs will begin at 10.30am across multiple stages and food tents located at Commonwealth Park.

There will be an indigenous art market, and an arts workshop tent, a contemporary African music group named Zambezi Sounds and a Latin funk band, Funky Trop.

Michael Simic, Jerikye Williams and special guest Aunty Maria Williams will perform classic and original songs.

Stellar Contact will feature Canberra’s dance troupes, including Project Beats, Xtreme Stars, Ira Patkar and Dance Northside.

There will also be performances from the Canberra Celtic Pipe Band and Dance School, Super Rats and Victor Valdes.

The National Museum invites everyone on Australia Day to come together as a community in Ngunnawal and Ngambri country and to reflect on and share their different cultures with a family event on Australia Day, 10am-2pm. It will include a smoking ceremony, followed by weaving demonstrations, talks, activities and a chance to explore the National Museum exhibitions.

A Nainmurra Nguurruu concert will take place on January 26, 6pm-10pm, by Busby Marou. They will be supported by Miiesha and dance troupe Muggera as they perform lakeside of the museum to conclude the museum’s Australia Day activities.

Following ACT Health regulations, the National Museum of Australia has ticketed these events.

On Australia Day, there will be an Oz Day Aqua Fest at Black Mountain Peninsula from 2pm.

Triathlon ACT, Water Polo ACT and Canberra Aqua Park will host the Sportscare Oz Day Aqua Fest, as well as offering food and beverage stalls, music, face painting, aquathlons and aqua park activities.

In Queanbeyan, there will be an Australia Day Awards ceremony, Citizenship Ceremony and fireworks. The ceremonies will begin at 5.30pm, there will be music between 6.30pm and 8pm and the fireworks will begin at 8pm.